These branded residential developments offer the best of luxury living with exclusive hotel perks

The idea of hotel-affiliated branded residences is not new, with many brands including Four Seasons, Rosewood and Aman developing units for sale alongside its hotels. This formula allows developers to tap on the branding of a luxury hotel, while owners and residents are promised the elevated level of service and luxury.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this demand, as the well-heeled sought branded residences as second or even third homes to isolate in attractive settings.

Micah Tamthai, COO of Lifestyle and Real Estate at Minor International – a subsidiary of Minor Hotels that developed Anantara Desaru Coast hotel and residences together with TARH (Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels Sdn Bhd) commented: “With a full complement of hotel or resort facilities, owners benefit from hassle-free home ownership and are assured that their property will be well looked-after in their absence. In the short-run, there is also the opportunity to earn returns through a resort-managed rental programme, while in the long run, buyers stand to benefit from an increase in the resale value.”

Nguyen Thanh Thuy, marketing director of Vietnam-based BIM Group that developed Regent Phu Quoc added: “Owners are typically UHNWI (Ultra-High Net-Worth Individuals) who appreciate luxury amenities with a diverse collection of real estate properties. Service plays a big role in the popularity of luxury hotel residences, with personal attention alongside exclusive access to surrounding facilities providing an additional layer of security and convenience to support an ultra-luxury lifestyle.”

Here are four hotel branded residences in the region if you’re in the market for a new property.

Designed by BLINK Design Group, Regent Phu Quoc made a splash when it debuted in 2022. Regent Residences Phu Quoc continues the hotel’s elegant design, melding a contemporary sensibility with Vietnamese architectural influences such as Bovi structures, courtyards, French de Gournay wallpaper and styling by Australia curator and stylist Anna Flanders.

“With a rare tropical beauty, Phu Quoc has often been compared with island paradises such as the Maldives, Phuket and Bali. But it has its own distinctive ecology with 28 large and small islands, 150km of coastline and 14 diverse beaches. Adding to the island’s appeal is its mild climate with warm sunshine all year round, making Phu Quoc ideal for investors and travellers to come and relax at any time of the year,” said Thuy.

Within this context, Regent Residences offers 120 units flanking a central boulevard with dining and recreational facilities. The smallest Sky Villa starts at 247.5 sq m and the largest are two, seven-bedroom Beach Villas at 2,038 sq m.

“Regent Residences Phu Quoc raised the bar tremendously for ultra-luxury branded resort residences in Vietnam when it first went to market in 2017 and has continued to attract a discerning population of travellers with an appreciation for tasteful design and high-quality amenities,” shared Thuy. Buyers enjoy dedicated resident-owner benefits such as discounts on food and beverage, spa services, club access and transfers at Regent Phu Quoc. They also get concierge services and full access to the resort’s amenities and facilities.

Like the adjacent hotel Anantara Coast Resort & Villas, Anantara Desaru Coast Residences features low-slung architecture designed by WOW Architects & Warner Wong Design for both the hotel and residences.

The interiors, done by Environmental Design Consultants from Malaysia, incorporate indigenous materials such as woven textiles and wicker. The palette, comprising matte beige stone floors, brown and grey wood, and textured fabrics, mirrors the hues of sandy beaches and palm trees.

Current owners represent a mix of local citizens and expatriates living in Malaysia with their families, and overseas residents who split their time between their home country and Desaru Coast, Tamthai shared. He added: “One of the key trends that Minor Hotels has observed is the demand for multi-generation land properties, which offer spacious and versatile living spaces for families and friends.”

This makes the residences’ larger units relevant. The new 288-sq-m Three-Bedroom Residences and two-storey 597-sq-m Four-Bedroom Residence have private pools and decks where a butler can arrange floating breakfasts or poolside barbecue at gatherings. All owners and residents can also enjoy the facilities of the adjacent five-star resort, which include a private beach, pools, the award-winning Anantara Spa, a fitness-and-wellness centre, a kids’ and teens’ club and restaurants.

Owners looking for a residence in a city with rich heritage can look to Four Seasons Residences Kyoto. The property accompanies the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, which opened in 2016 in the historic Higashiyama district. The architecture is by Kume Sekkei, with the interiors by HBA (Hirsch Bedner Associates).

“Kyoto is quite scenic and having your own home here adds to the charm,” said Rahul Mamgain, director of residences of Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto. The hotel and residences offer utmost tranquilly – they’re built around an 800-year-old ikeniwa (pond garden). The 57 residences feature contemporary Japanese elements and quality finishes, with the option of a traditional tatami room. Around the property, they can enjoy artwork by renowned local Kyoto artists such as Takahiro Kondo (the grandson of the National Living Treasure of Japan Yuzo Kondo).

“Owners and residents enjoy access to the hotel’s concierge and bell services, round-the-clock security, access to the hotel’s fitness centre and indoor pool, as well as pick-up and drop-off from Kyoto Station. They can also use the Four Seasons mobile app to manage their residence and connect with the team, gain exclusive access to the Hotel Director of Residences, and get assistance in booking stays globally with any Four Seasons Hotel,” shared Mamgain. Aside from UHNWI or HNWI, buyers include loyal hotel guests who are so deeply connected with the brand and familiar with its brand values that they choose to own a piece of Four Seasons real estate, Mamgain highlighted. He added: “As a foreign buyer, it is a great investment option since the residences can generate revenue for owners who choose to put their units in the rental programme when they are not in Kyoto.”

AMAN NAI LERT BANGKOK RESIDENCES

Aman introduced its first hotel branded residence in Southeast Asia with Amanpuri in Phuket, Thailand. In the third quarter of 2024, it will open its first urban property in Thailand with Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, set within Bangkok’s verdant Nai Lert Park. Aman Nai Lert Bangkok Residences, which will have 50 apartments, and will be housed on the 36-storey building, from the 11th floor to 28th floor.

There are one-, two- and three-bedroom units, and four-bedroom, 23,680-sq-ft penthouses with dedicated entrances. Most of these units feature private terraces. Residents can also benefit from a new Aman Club – a concept launched in Aman New York last year with an initiation fee of US$200,000 (S$270, 861) and of which there is a waitlist.

“Branded residences, which are developed and managed by a hotel brand with a reputation at the level of Aman is a hugely attractive proposition for buyers as there is a high level of trust in the quality of service, design and experiences,” said Vladislav Doronin, the chairman, CEO and owner of Aman Group.

He continued: “Aman-branded residences command a higher premium than the market owing to the exceptional locations, standout architecture and design and expansive amenities offering unparalleled service – all of which contributes to the popularity of its branded residences as there is a deep understanding of the quality created by the Aman brand.”

The residence pool on the 30th storey offers exclusive views across the park and Bangkok’s skyline. Each residence comes with a dedicated private chef and housekeeper, as well as a maintenance and security team. Owners can take advantage of dining perks, spa offerings and baby-sitting and personal catering services offered by the hotel. “Our owners are also onboarded to Aman’s Private Office – a dedicated point-to-point service to coordinate travel and experiences within the Aman constellation,” Doronin highlighted.

Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston designed both hotel and residence. This promises an aesthetic of subtle sophistication, plentiful natural materials and calming atmospheres.